In the heart of Srinagar’s old city, 70-year-old master woodcarver Ghulam Nabi Zargar meticulously crafts intricate designs capturing the essence of Kashmir, from the serene landscapes to the rich tapestry of mythological tales. He has been painstakingly carving three-dimensional artworks, since last five decades in his workshop located in Kalashpora, Khanyar area of Srinagar. His...
Padma Shri Awardee Haji Ghulam Rasool Khan, resident of Amda Kadal, Srinagar, is one of the few artisans working towards preservation of Jamawar work. Working from his workshop at home, he has been involved for decades in this unique art of patchwork of Pashmina Shawls. Ghulam Rasool Khan has produced several priceless Jamawar designs for...
In 1970, lavender was brought to Kashmir from Bulgaria by Dr Akhtar Hussain, the then Scientist In-charge of the Field Station and founder Director of the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow. He introduced lavender cultivation at Field Station Pulwama which is about 35 km south of Srinagar. Although lavender was also...
Crewel work is a hand-embroidery technique traditionally done in Kashmir, with a hook (aari) and mostly on woolen yarns in single or 2-ply with colours ranging from white to multi-coloured. Crewel Embroidery is usually done on bolts of fabric in varying widths – 56″ wide dusooti cotton manufactured locally in Kashmir being the most common....
Abdul Rashid Bhat, the 60-year-old chain stitch master from Tengpora, Nawa Kadal, Srinagar has long been associated with this form of embroidery. His works range from life-like designs to abstract patterns in black and white and in rich hues. Chain stitch is a sewing and embroidery technique in which a series of looped stitches form...
Mohammad Afzal, 40 of Zadibal, Srinagar is a renowned calligraphy artist. His calligraphy began from the time he began writing on slate as a child. His father would ask him write verses. He learnt the intricacies of calligraphy at an Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, where he continued to work and taught students the...
70-year-old Kashmiri craftsman, Abdul Khaliq Najar, has spent his life making and repairing houseboats in the Valley. He is the seventh generation in his family who were engaged in construction of houseboats. Najar is the only person alive among the ones who were known for their mastery in the making of houseboats, which attract tourists...
Making of Gabba’ (Kashmiri rug embroidered with aari work) has been carried out since the late 16th century Mughal period. Gabbas are made up of wool blankets. The old blankets are dyed in vegetable colors and with a cotton backing. These can also be made new by mixing wool (one or two ply) and a...
An English Literature student from Srinagar’s Sher-e-Khas, Nazar Nasir Naik has been breaking stereotypes with his crocheting. Nazar, known as “Male Crocheter of Kashmir”, took a liking to the craft art during an unrest in 2016 when his aunt was knitting a sweater. He infused a new life in the orthodox style of knotting with...
Walnut wood carving is an ornamental and delicate craft process that is unique to Kashmir due to the concentration of walnut trees in this region. The raw material used for the fine woodcarving of Kashmir is obtained from walnut tree locally known as Doon Kul (Juglans regia tree) and is cut only once it matures...
